Former Mets, Padres Pitcher Joins Chiba Lotte Marines

Why Lucchesi Is Heading to Japan

Left‑hander Joey Lucchesi, a 33‑year‑old former Mets and Padres swingman, has officially signed with Nippon Professional Baseball’s Chiba Lotte Marines. The deal comes after the Los Angeles Angels released him earlier this month, freeing him to pursue opportunities overseas. According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Lucchesi will finish the season in Japan—likely earning more than a typical minor‑league contract back in North America. A strong showing could set him up for a seven‑figure guarantee with the Marines in 2027 or catch the eye of an MLB club during this winter’s free agency.

MLB Career Highlights Before the Move

Lucchesi made his MLB debut in 2018 with the San Diego Padres and quickly established himself as a strike‑out threat. In his sophomore season, he tallied a career‑high 158 strikeouts over 163.2 innings, a rate that still ranks among the Padres’ top single‑season efforts. He spent parts of three campaigns with the New York Mets, missing the entire 2022 season due to injury. The 4.15 ERA that marked his span across both clubs reflects a versatile pitcher who has bounced between relief and starting roles.

Recent Angels Stint and Release

This year, Lucchesi joined the Los Angeles Angels and recorded 3.1 innings of work, surrendering five earned runs on seven hits. The Angels granted his release shortly after, leaving him a free agent in time to sign with Chiba Lotte. The brief innings period underscores the volatility of bullpen assignments in the majors, but also highlights his willingness to restart his career abroad.

What Awaits Lucchesi in NPB

Playing the remainder of the season in Japan gives Lucchesi a chance to sharpen his craft in a different competitive environment while securing a more lucrative payday than a minor‑league deal would provide. The Pacific League, where the Marines sit at 39‑40 and occupy fifth place in a six‑team division, offers a different style of play that could appeal to a veteran left‑hander looking to extend his career. Success there could translate into a substantial contract with the Marines or attract interest from MLB teams when free agency rolls around.

Marines Context in the Pacific League

Chiba Lotte is one of six clubs competing in the Pacific League, currently perched at 39‑40 and holding the fifth spot. The team’s record reflects a rebuilding phase, but they remain attractive to players seeking a fresh start and a clearer path to regular‑season playing time. Joining a club in this environment allows Lucchesi to develop without the immediate pressure of a struggling franchise.

The move marks a new chapter for a pitcher who has bounced between the majors and minors, and it underscores the growing trend of MLB veterans looking to extend their careers in Japan for both financial and competitive reasons. Lucchesi’s journey from Queens to Chiba will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike as he seeks to reclaim his place among the elite left‑handers.